Singapore Telugu Methodist Church

Sunday Services
SERVICE TIMINGS	Sunday Service @ 7:00PM (at Short Street Tamil Methodist Church Level-2) Sunday School: Sundays @ 7:30PM Deborah Ministry Service (Helper’s ministry) – Every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 1:00PM to 3:30PM (at Short Street Tamil Methodist Church Level-2)
ADDRESS	8 Short Street, Level 2, Singapore 188214
TELEPHONE	(+65) 8611 7374
EMAIL	contact.sgtmc@gmail.com
WEBSITE	https://sgtmc.org/
PASTOR IN_CHARGE	Rev Jebakumar Chellakkan
ASSISTANT PASTOR
LCEC CHAIRMAN	Mr Sunil Parisa
LAY LEADER	Mr Dodda Roy

About SGTelugu MC (Church History)

Telugu Methodist Church (Singapore): A Journey of Faith, Fellowship, and God’s Grace

The story of the Telugu Methodist Church (Singapore) is one of humble beginnings, steadfast faith, and God’s abundant grace. What began in the late 1990s as a small prayer gathering of Telugu-speaking believers has today grown into a vibrant, Spirit-led community serving hundreds of people across Singapore. Over the years, this church has not only been a home for many who are far from their families, but also a beacon of God’s love, hope, and compassion among the Telugu-speaking community in this nation.

A Humble Beginning

The roots of the Telugu Methodist Church trace back to a few Telugu-speaking brothers who came to Singapore for work in the late 1990s. Far from home and family, they longed for fellowship in their own language. The Tamil Methodist Church at Short Street graciously opened its doors for them to gather in prayer and worship. What started as a small circle of three believers soon grew as word spread and more Telugu-speaking workers joined them. They prayed, sang hymns, shared testimonies, and encouraged one another in faith. Though the group was small, their hearts were filled with a deep desire to grow together in Christ and serve their community. The fellowship was marked by simplicity and sincerity — a handful of believers meeting after long work hours, clinging to faith as their source of strength and comfort.

Becoming a Church Family

By the grace of God and with the support of the Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC), this fellowship was officially recognized as the Telugu Methodist Church (Singapore) on 28 July 2008. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter — a formal recognition of what God had already been doing in the hearts of many Telugu-speaking believers in Singapore.

Since then, the church has flourished under the faithful guidance of its pastors, leaders, and the unwavering support of ETAC. Young workers, families, and children have found a spiritual home here. Many who met Christ through this ministry have carried the Gospel back to their hometowns in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, continuing the cycle of transformation and testimony.

Today, the Telugu Methodist Church stands as a testimony of God’s faithfulness, a place where faith meets fellowship, and where language and culture become bridges to reach hearts for Christ.

A Vibrant and Growing Community

The church is made up of both young professionals and families. Its weekly worship services are conducted in Telugu, helping people feel at home while away from home. The atmosphere is warm, heartfelt, and welcoming — a place where strangers become friends and friends become family. Alongside worship, the church nurtures its members through small groups, prayer fellowships, and outreach ministries. There is a genuine sense of care and community, with members supporting one another through the challenges of work life, family, and migration. Over the years, the church has not only grown in numbers but also in spiritual depth. What once began as a fellowship for a few now encompasses diverse ministries that touch lives across Singapore.

Ministries that Reflect God’s Heart

Each ministry in the Telugu Methodist Church exists to serve a specific purpose — to build faith, foster fellowship, and bring God’s love to those in need.

1. Worship and Music Ministry

At the heart of every Sunday gathering is worship. The choir plays a vital role in leading the congregation into God’s presence through a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary songs. Their goal is not merely to sing, but to prepare hearts to receive God’s Word. The Singspiration segment adds liveliness and joy to the service, and the music often reflects the sermon theme, creating a holistic worship experience. The pastor’s messages — delivered with conviction and guided by the Holy Spirit — bring hope, encouragement, and challenge to all who listen.

2. SEVA Ministry — Showing God’s Love

The SEVA Ministry embodies the heart of Christian service. “Seva” means selfless service, and this ministry truly lives up to its name. It was founded on the belief that faith must be expressed through love in action. SEVA serves primarily foreign workers in Singapore — men who have left their homes to earn a living. Through para-counseling, financial and career guidance, and English and computer training, the ministry empowers workers to build better futures. Many who began as manual laborers have moved on to administrative or supervisory roles, thanks to the skills and confidence gained through SEVA’s programs. But beyond training, SEVA offers something more precious — friendship and belonging. Volunteers spend time with the workers, share meals, and walk with them through their struggles. For many, SEVA has become a family in a foreign land, a living example of Christ’s compassion.

3. Tract Distribution — Sharing the Good News

Once a month, small teams visit dormitories across Singapore to distribute Gospel tracts. What might seem like a simple act has borne eternal fruit. These tracts have opened conversations, led to friendships, and, ultimately, to salvation for many. The ministry doesn’t stop with handing out literature — it’s about building relationships. Volunteers stay in touch with the workers, pray with them, and invite them to church. Through these ongoing connections, many have come to know Christ personally.

4. Cell Groups — Reaching the Multitudes

Every Saturday at 8 PM, cell groups meet at four dormitories. These small gatherings serve as lifelines for workers who live far from their families. In an intimate setting, they worship, study Scripture, and pray together.
For many, these meetings are the highlight of the week — a time to recharge spiritually and emotionally. The discussions are lively and heartfelt, and bonds of friendship are formed that last a lifetime.
God has used these cell groups to bring countless non-believers to faith. Some who found Christ in Singapore through this ministry have since returned to India and entered full-time ministry, carrying the light of the Gospel back home.

5. Deborah Ministry — A Fellowship for Domestic Helpers

The Deborah Ministry meets twice a month and serves domestic helpers, offering them a safe and nurturing environment. Many helpers face isolation and emotional hardship; this ministry gives them a place to be seen, heard, and loved.
Through worship, prayer, and Bible teaching, these women are strengthened in faith. Meals and Holy Communion are shared, turning these gatherings into true celebrations of fellowship. Many of these sisters testify to how God has restored their joy and peace through this ministry.

6. Discipleship Bible Training — Equipping Disciple-Makers

The church’s annual Discipleship Bible Training program runs for two months, helping participants engage deeply with God’s Word. The focus is not just on learning but on transformation — helping believers grow into mature disciples who can, in turn, disciple others. Graduates of this program often go on to lead cell groups, teach Sunday School, or mentor others, extending the church’s impact far beyond its walls.

7. Prayer Ministries — The Spiritual Backbone

Prayer is central to the life of the Telugu Methodist Church. Every Tuesday evening, members gather on Zoom for prayer. They lift up personal needs, the church’s growth, and global concerns.
On Fridays, the Chain Prayer runs for four continuous hours, with members taking turns to intercede. Once a year, during Deepavali, the church holds an All-Night Prayer from 10 PM to 5 AM — a deeply spiritual time of worship, fasting, reflection, and unity.
These gatherings strengthen the community and keep the church rooted in dependence on God.

8. Sunday School — Shaping Tender Lives

The children’s ministry is one of the church’s most joyful spaces. Every Sunday evening, children aged 3 to 12 come together for worship, singing, and Scripture learning. The goal is not only to teach Bible stories but to nurture a deep, personal relationship with God.
Through memory verses, songs, and crafts, the young ones learn to walk with Jesus from an early age.

9. JoEs Ministry — Transforming teenagers and Building Future Leaders

The JoEs (Josephs & Esthers) Ministry serves teenagers, helping them navigate faith in today’s challenging world. It offers a safe and fun space to ask questions, share struggles, and grow in faith. The annual JoEs Retreat is a highlight, combining worship, games, and spiritual teaching in a one-day camp that strengthens both faith and friendships. This ministry continues to shape future leaders who are rooted in God’s Word.

10. Methodist Men and WSCS — Strengthening Fellowship

The Methodist Men’s Ministry brings men together for fellowship, prayer, and service. Through walks, outings, and mission work, they encourage one another to lead lives of integrity and faith. Similarly, the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) empowers women to grow spiritually and serve joyfully. Weekly Bible studies and various service projects help members live out their faith in practical ways.

11. Food Fellowship — Sharing Love Through Meals

After every Sunday service, the church hosts a simple dinner — an act of fellowship that has become a cherished tradition. Volunteers prepare and serve meals for everyone, turning mealtime into ministry. For many who come straight from work, this gesture of hospitality is a tangible expression of God’s love.

12. Social Outreach — Touching Precious Lives

Beyond the church walls, the Telugu Methodist Church actively reaches out to those in need. Volunteers accompany the sick to hospitals, assist workers facing employment issues, and advocate for fair treatment.
The church also organizes Migrant Workers’ Welfare Forums, inviting experts to speak on legal and employment matters. These efforts have made a real difference in the lives of many.
The annual Blood Donation Drive is another highlight, reflecting the church’s commitment to serving the wider community.

13. Evangelism Through Fellowship — A Home Away from Home

Through regular outings to places like Sentosa and East Coast Park, the church builds bridges with non-believers. These gatherings combine fun, food, and fellowship with messages of faith, giving many their first experience of Christian community.
In this way, the church embodies the message of Christ — reaching out not just through words, but through warmth and genuine relationships.

14. Joshua Camp — A Time for Renewal

The annual Joshua Camp — held in various locations across Malaysia — is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It offers members a chance to step away from daily routines and spend time in worship, learning, and fellowship.
At camp, believers of all ages come together to strengthen their faith, deepen friendships, and experience spiritual renewal. It is often described as a mountaintop experience — a time of refreshing and recommitment to God’s call.

A Vision for the Future

As the Telugu Methodist Church looks ahead, it continues to hold fast to its mission — to reach the Telugu-speaking community in Singapore with the Gospel, to equip believers as disciple-makers, and to serve others with Christlike love. The church dreams of expanding its ministries further, raising up more leaders, and strengthening partnerships with ETAC and the wider Methodist family. There is also a growing desire to invest in the next generation — nurturing children and youth who will carry the torch of faith forward. Through every season, the church remains grateful for the unwavering support and guidance of ETAC, whose vision and covering have made this journey possible.

A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness

As the Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference celebrates its 50th Anniversary, the Telugu Methodist Church joins in thanksgiving and joy. For the past decade and a half, the Telugu congregation has found in ETAC a spiritual home — a body that has encouraged, guided, and empowered it to grow in faith and service. The story of the Telugu Methodist Church is a living testimony to what God can do through a small, faithful group of believers. From a simple gathering of three to a thriving congregation touching hundreds of lives, the journey has been marked by grace every step of the way. In the words of one of the early members, “We came here searching for work, but we found a family — and through that family, we found God.” As the church continues its journey, it does so with the same heart it began with — humble, prayerful, and full of faith. To God be the glory for all He has done and for all that is yet to come.